Texas politicians are aiming to get Texas on board with cleaner car emissions with all 2009 car models sold in Texas. In particular, the nine-county region that includes the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex would have to meet federal ozone standards by 2010.

Rep. Mark Strama (D-Austin) and state Senator Rodney Ellis (D-Houston) are promoting Bill 124 before this year's legislative session even begins. The proposed bill would mimic California's strict emissions regulations. At this point, we know that the mayors of Austin (Will Wynn) and Fort Worth (Mike Moncrief) are on board. It's great to see two cities - with historically divergent attitudes - one liberal, one oil-rich - agree on this important issue.

A new regulations could reduce greenhouse gases emissions in Texas by 18 percent by 2020. A better transportation system that includes light rails in all of Texas’ major cities (Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonia) could reduce those gases even more.

The Texas Automobile Dealers Assoc. and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers are both declining major comment. But, as Ellis told the press this week, “It’s going to be a battle royale.�